Alcon AG (ALC)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
ALC
Alcon AG
$75.26
+1.37%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $37.11B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$302.32
+0.13%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $29.66B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Alcon AG generates 229% more annual revenue ($10.40B vs $3.17B). WAT leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 9.4%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. WAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
ALC
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
WAT
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-489.8%
Fair Value
$13.46
Current Price
$75.26
$61.80 premium
Margin of Safety
-349.9%
Fair Value
$73.17
Current Price
$302.32
$229.15 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 33.8%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 4.5% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 22.2%
Moderate valuation
Earnings declined 3.1%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ALC
The strongest argument for ALC centers on Debt/Equity, Price/Book.
Bull Case : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 33.8%. PEG of 1.25 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : ALC
The primary concerns for ALC are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ALC profiles as a value stock while WAT is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
WAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.
ALC is growing revenue faster at 8.6% — sustainability is the question.
ALC generates stronger free cash flow (489M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WAT scores higher overall (60/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 20.3% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Alcon AG
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
Alcon, Inc., an eye care company, researches, develops, manufactures, distributes and sells eye care products for eye care professionals and their patients around the world. The company is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
Visit Website →Waters Corporation
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.
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